I Led A Labyrinth Workshop and Loved It

I led my first ever snow labyrinth workshop back in March, and it was my most favorite thing I have done all year. Sometimes the ladies of my neighborhood get together and do yoga and have tea, draw tarot cards, and mostly just sit around and talk, a catharsis we all need. So when the call went out to see if we could get together, I offered up my snow and to lead an impromptu workshop.

We were fortunately getting some fresh snow that week, so I stomped the labyrinth the day before so it would have time to settle. The picture above was taken by my photographer neighbor G. Brad Lewis on his way to go ski, but as luck would have it, the storm raged on for the rest of that day, and I had to re-stomp it again. Look at this image below of the 2nd labyrinth - that track below the labyrinth, was from a fox or coyote over night checking out the new snow art.

Having never led a labyrinth workshop before, I thought long and hard about what to say and how to offer it to my friends. Very few people had ever actually walked one of my labyrinths as they often blow away or get covered in snow within days of my making one, so I wanted it to be special and to give the walkers a moment of respite, of calm, and of peace

I found a sage smudge stick that I had made from my local plants, cut some rose hips from the bushes on the hill, and added some other elements to help protect our space. Introducing the labyrinth to my friends felt a bit like sharing a secret recipe that I had long been working on. There was so much I wanted to tell them and try as I might, I did not make it succinct. Luckily, we had a beautiful day, and nice warm sun to keep us toasty so everyone could walk it at their leisure.

A labyrinth is a liminal space in which you can connect to your higher self or the universe. Many cultures throughout history have used labyrinths - to trap evil spirits, for contemplation, or for pilgrimage and prayer. In modern times, they are used as walking meditations to suspend time as a way of deeply connecting with yourself.

Labyrinths are portals. To walk the labyrinth, you simply follow the path to the center, then retrace your steps back out. Unlike a maze, which is a puzzle to be figured out, there is nothing to solve in a labyrinth, just space in which to connect and listen. You can lay your burdens down outside and then walk freely, even for just a few minutes.

Upon entering, spend a moment to center yourself, breathe, and most importantly inhabit your body and ground yourself to the earth. As you walk a labyrinth, you may concentrate on your steps, your feet, the sounds you hear, your breath, or anything that helps you stay present in your body. Walk at whatever pace feels comfortable. Naturally, the mind wanders, and the point is to bring it back, reminding yourself that you don’t have to worry about anything in this moment.

The center is a good place for prayers, questions, or offerings. Ask for what is in your heart, release something that no longer serves you, or simply give gratitude. Sometimes strong emotions bubble up. Sometimes I have important insights, hits of intuition, or conversations with my guides. Sometimes it’s just a nice walk and I feel relaxed. There is no wrong way to labyrinth.

When walking out, again try to be present and focus on your steps or breath. Let whatever bubbles up come through and simply listen. Feel how you might be different, perhaps lighter or easier. Notice any changes, but don’t analyze them yet, just let them in, or out, as the case may be.

You don’t need a labyrinth (or a snow labyrinth!) to accomplish something similar. Walking meditation can be done anywhere - a park, around your block, a dirt road, a cemetery, anywhere you can find some peace. The main point is to give yourself time and space to be quiet and listen. I like the idea of the labyrinth because it feels like I am unwinding myself and in that time and space away from my worries, it gives me a chance to listen. You have all the answers inside you already, you just need to slow down enough to hear them.

I liked leading this workshop so much. I felt so honored to have made it for my friends and hosted them for a sacred morning. We held space for each other, sending love and care while each person walked, and offering up prayers and love. Perhaps you too felt that March was heavy and hard, but this morning felt like a respite, a vacation from our problems, or at least a momentary unburdening.

Over the course of a few days, I myself had walked the labyrinth 4 times, and most of that time I treated it as an offering. Less about me and my problems, and more about creating a sacred space for others, which felt really good. I want to do this more. I want to connect with others through these magical portals. Up until now, they have been mostly just for me, but I see now how special they are and I was honored to lead my friends along its path.

I asked one of the ladies who came to the workshop what she thought and she sent back this, which made me glow:

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and heavy, it was a gift to have a supported space of tranquility. To hug each other and leave our burdens outside the labyrinth, then enter and just BE.

And please, make your own too. The labyrinth is not mine - they can be made by anyone, anywhere. You can do this in your own yard or out in a park, or find a labyrinth near you. Or simply use a walking meditation to get into a liminal space.

A week after this workshop, when Matt and I were in Jackson for my show at Gallery Wild, we hiked up to Taggert Lake and saw all sorts of snowmen, sculptures, and signs of humans playing on the frozen lake. I found a patch of snow that had no tracks in it, and took the opportunity to make a labyrinth out in the wild. This was also the first time that Matt had ever walked one of my labyrinths, so it was fun to see him following the path.

I love the ephemerality of the snow labyrinths and how they go away with the next storm or melt away in the sun. It’s an offering that leaves no trace, not even footprints, and while it’s there, it is immensely helpful. They just make me happy.

I made another labyrinth a couple days ago after the new snow we had last week. It might be my last for the season, but you never know. Considering it’s only early April, we still have a couple months where it might snow. But I took advantage of the snow while I had it, and it will have to do until this summer when I build my permanent labyrinth in the dirt. I’m thinking of a more structured traditional pattern, more compact than my snow labyrinths, but with a great rock in the center so I can sit there in the middle.

John Stewart’s Podcasting Through It With Heather Cox Richardson

This week’s episode of John Stewart’s podcast was a great listen with Heather Cox Richardson, of Letters From An American fame. I just really appreciate her take on modern politics through the lens of history. We’ve been through some really crazy times in America, and this is another one, but the context is helpful, because it gives me hope that we’ll weather the storm.

Offline’s Optimism In Our Age of Anxiety

This was a good podcast episode on being optimistic despite all that is going on and that you can increase your optimism, because it’s basically a muscle. I also thought their episode from the week before on the new betting markets was eye opening. I think these betting markets like Kalshi and Polymarket are not good for us and I would really like some regulation - at the very least, I would like to make it so the people in charge of taking us to war, are not profiting off it.

Olafur Eliasson’s Wake the Great Salt Lake

We went to see this incredible light and sound installation in Salt Lake City last week designed by the Icelandic artist, Olafur Eliasson. I’ve followed his work back from my days blogging about sustainability, so I was very excited to see one of his works in person, this time highlighting the disappearing sounds of the Great Salt Lake. I wish it were going longer, but sadly it was just for a short run. Anyways it was cool and if you ever get a chance to see his work, go.

Qveen Herby Positive Hip Hop/Rap

Perhaps I’m late to the party, but I just learned about Qveen Herby, a “platinum-selling independent rapper and self-made icon of confidence, lyricism, and boss energy.” I’ve never been a huge fan or rap or hip hop, mostly because I didn’t identify with the lyrics, but I like this lady’s witchy energy and positive reinforcements. And her outfits are really fun.